​Pool Closing Virginia Beach

Residential and Commercial Pool Closing Services.

HOW TO WINTERIZE OR CLOSE YOUR POOL

If you are a DIY kind of person and don't know how to close your pool, here are the general steps to closing a pool. But note that there are chlorine pools and saltwater pools, each a little different, so these are general guidelines:​

Thoroughly brush and vacuum your pool before winterizing. Use surface cleaner for general pool cleaning, especially at the water line to avoid staining.

Make all necessary minor repairs; never close the pool with a leak – SEVERE DAMAGE WILL OCCUR.

Test and balance pool water. Be sure the PH is 7.4 to 7.6 and that the Total Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness are in the proper range. We strongly recommend that you bring a water sample to a local store and have it tested.

Add Stain and Scale control if metals are present or Calcium Hardness is more than 450ppm. MINIUM treatment is 1 quart per 10,000 gallons.

Add the recommended dosage (1 lb. per 5000 gallons) granular shock, to provide extended chlorine protection. Do not granular shock directly into the pool. Always pre-mix by adding shock to a pail of water. CAUTION: Do not add water to granular shock. Add the shock to the water. If using Softswim or Baqulcil use the manufacturer’s recommendation. If using Ionizers, use bleach to shock the pool, not granular shock.

Add Winter algaecide to fight winter algae growth. Pour a little dosage into several areas around the pool. DO NOT MIX chlorine and algaecide together; all pool chemicals should be handled separately. If using Ionizers, algaecide is not needed but we recommend usage of natural enzyme winter products.

Circulate pool water for several hours by operating the pump and filter to evenly distribute winter chemical treatment; at least 4 to 6 hours prior to shutting off the pump.

Backwash and clean the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Chemically treat the filter to remove scale and oils with a filter cleaner and degreaser. Drop water to the bottom of the skimmer of 6” lower if you have a safety cover.

Glow out the plumbing lines using a shop vac. Disconnect the flexible backwash hose and blow through the backwash inlet keeping the 6-way valve handle on a ridge in between any two positions. As the inlets in the pool start bubbling, plug with winterizing plugs. (use a gizmo or plastic bottle in the skimmer to avoid damage to the skimmer from freezing.)

Winterize your pool pumps by removing drain plugs to allow the pump housings to drain completely. Usually there is a plug on the front and one on the side or back of the housing.

FILTER: After filter has been cleaned as recommended in step 8, remove the bottom plug from the filter. Remove the pressure gauge and store inside to prevent damage from freezing. Depress multiport valve handle and rotate so as to set the valve pointer on the valve between any position. This will allow water to drain from the valve. Leave in this “inactive” position.

Winterize heaters and other equipment according to the manufacturers instructions. Winterize chlorinators by removing the drain plug, remove any chlorine tablets present and flush with water. Do NOT store partially used tablets.

Your pool is now ready to be covered and we strongly urge you to protect your investment by doing so.

IMPORTANT: Water Bag Cover – If you have a water bag cover you must keep the cover empty to rainwater using a cover pump or siphon. Too much water on the cover will cause partial emptying of the pool due to water displacement. Also, if you have a hole in the cover, as you pump out the cover you may be pumping out the pool at the same time. Dropping the water too low in the pool may cause the liner to float and cause damage.

Safety Pool Cover – If you have a safety cover, check the pool water level periodically, especially after heavy rains. Do not allow water to rise higher than halfway up the skimmer. When it reaches that level, drain back down below the skimmer. Keep your safety cover tight, loose covers will move it gets windy.

TIP #1: Your pool is more likely to get dirty and green when you use a safety cover. A good idea is to pour a good algaecide through it to cover and wash it once or twice during the winter period.

TIP #2: We recommend opening pools with safety covers earlier in the spring before it gets too warm.

TIP: #3: If all this seems to much for you to handle, just pick up the phone right now and call us, that's all! We'll be happy to serve you!

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